Mary DeBow, former school board member and educator, dies

Longtime educator, former Christian County School Board member and community leader Mary DeBow has died at the age of 84.

She’s likely most remembered for her 34 years as an educator—14 years as a teacher, 19 as principal at Morningside Elementary School and three years as district services coordinator at the central office.

DeBow was Hopkinsville’s first recreation director from 1958 until 1973 and served on the recreation commission for eight years.

DeBow served on the school board for eight years and talked about major redistricting in 2014—a step she said was necessary.

She was already on the board when current chairperson Linda Keller was elected and Keller says DeBow took her under her wing.

Superintendent Mary Ann Gemmill says DeBow was an institution of knowledge with a real heart for public education who will be dearly missed.

DeBow held roles on numerous local and state boards and was a member of Highland Presbyterian Church.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Hughart, Beard and Giles Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. Thursday.